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NEWS FROM THE FORD THE NEWSLETTER OF THE GERALD R. FORD FOUNDATION May 2004 David Hume Kennerly Photograph. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library. R. Ford Gerald Courtesy Photograph. Kennerly David Hume “Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule.” Gerald R. Ford, addressing the nation after his swearing-in as the 38th President of the United States. August 9, 1974.

he oath that I have taken is the same oath that was gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned “T taken by and by every President either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not under the Constitution. But I assume the Presidency under subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by and only to one woman—my dear wife—as I begin this very Americans. This is an hour of history that troubles our minds difficult job. and hurts our hearts. I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will Therefore, I feel it is my first duty to make an unprecedent- not shirk it. Those who nominated and confirmed me as ed compact with my countrymen. Not an inaugural address, Vice President were my friends and are my friends. They not a fireside chat, not a campaign speech—just a little straight were of both parties, elected by all the people and acting talk among friends. And I intend it to be the first of many. under the Constitution in their name. It is only fitting then I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your that I should pledge to them and to you that I will be the President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as President of all the people…” your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers [The entire text of President Ford’s swearing-in remarks, plus a will also be the first of many. sound bite, can be found on the Library’s website: You have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/speeches/740001.htm]

NCAA Launches Award ...... 2 America in the 1920s Exhibition ...... 10 the Ford Library ...... 14 A Day of Transition ...... 3 Winter Programming: One Student’s Research Experience ...... 15 A Good Partner: Weekend, Presidents Day, Research Grant Awards ...... 15 Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies Family Theatre Series, New Film Series . .11 Interview with Audiovisual Researcher by Gleaves Whitney ...... 4 The First President Gerald R. Ford Mike Grass ...... 16 Most Recent Collaborative Programs ...... 4 Essay Challenge ...... 12 Are You a “Friend of Ford”? ...... 18 New Logo Unites Presidential Libraries . . .5 Ford Message to Students ...... 12 Coming UP! ...... 19 A Special Afternoon with Susan Ford . . . . .5 Museum Store: A Brand New Look ...... 13 Window on the West: Thirty Years Ago by Benton Becker ...... 6 Director’s Report on Researchers and Views from the American Frontier . . . .19 Inside this Issue National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Launches New Gerald R. Ford Award

he National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Ford played football at the University of T awarded its first annual Gerald R. Ford Award to Rev. Michigan where he participated on national championship Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University teams in 1932 and 1933. He started every game at center of Notre Dame, at its annual convention in Nashville, his senior year and was voted most valuable player by team- on January 11, 2004. In establishing the award in mates. Ford received contract offers from the Green Bay Ford’s name NCAA President Myles Brand remarked, “Both Packers and Detroit Lions, which he turned down in favor as a public ser- of studying law vant and as an at Yale Univer- athlete, Presi- sity. Before be- dent Ford em- ginning his law bodies the quali- courses, Ford ties of integrity, coached fresh- achievement man football and dedication and boxing. that we aspire to Ford continued in intercolle- to serve as an giate athletics.” advocate for A voluntary as- the value of sociation of sport his entire about 1,200 col- career, playing leges and uni- tennis, golfing, versities, athletic skiing, and conferences swimming and sports or- while in the ganizations, the White House, NCAA is devot- and he remains ed to initiating, an avid golfer stimulating and [LEFT TO RIGHT] NCAA President Myles Brand, Gerald R. Ford Award recipient Rev. Theodore M. at the age of 90. Hesburgh, and Jack Ford at the NCAA Annual Convention’s Award Ceremony improving intercollegiate athletics programs for student-athletes and to promoting and developing educational leadership, physical fitness, “I really believe that athletics are an important ingredient in athletics excellence and athletics participation as a recre- a strong society. And I believe it’s very important for young ational pursuit. people to participate in team sports to some extent. I know The Gerald R. Ford Award was created to honor individ- of nothing comparable where you can learn things about uals who have provided significant leadership as an advocate cooperation and team spirit better than with a football team for intercollegiate athletics on a continuous basis over the or a basketball team. At the same time I believe that course of their career. Father Hesburgh’s 35 year career at Americans ought to learn individual sports, not necessarily to Notre Dame enabled him to be a major influence on the evo- be played when young but to have an avocation which we lution of higher education as well as one of the strongest can enjoy, such as golf, skiing, tennis or swimming, which advocates for the contribution intercollegiate athletics can make to the academy. As president emeritus he served as co- will contribute to future health as we grow older. I’m devot- chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, ed to athletics in the broadest sense, because I think it con- which studied reform in college sports from 1990 to 1996 tributes to character building and it contributes to good and again when it reconvened in 2000. The first Knight health, as we mature. And we should do it not only individu- Commission Report Keeping Faith with the Student-Athlete: A ally, but collectively.” New Model for Intercollegiate Athletics was an important impetus —Vice President Gerald R. Ford to the academic reform movement within intercollegiate ath- Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation letics that has taken place over the last dozen years. (JOHPER) April 1974, p. 11

2 GERALD R. FORD FOUNDATION President Ford and Betty Ford A Day of Transition Honorary Co-Chair

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ugust 9, 2004 marks the 30th anniversary of the Martin J. Allen, Jr. A Chairman beginning of the Ford admin- istration. On August 9, 1974 Michael G. Ford Vice President Gerald R. Ford Vice-Chairman took the oath of office as the Robert M. Warner nation’s 38th president in a Secretary quickly scheduled ceremony John G. Baab in the of the White Treasurer House, just minutes after Susan Ford Bales Secretary of State Henry Robert E. Barrett Kissinger had received Rich- Benton Becker Lee C. Bollinger ard Nixon’s letter of resigna- Robert W. Browne tion. It was a unique and his- James M. Cannon toric day as power changed Richard Cheney William T. Coleman, Jr. hands. Benton Becker, cur- Peter C. Cook, Honorary rently a Trustee of the Gerald Marvin Davis, Honorary R. Ford Foundation, had the Douglas L. DeVos opportunity to accompany Richard M. DeVos, Honorary John M. Engler Gerald Ford through much of Max M. Fisher that historic day as the Vice John G. Ford President, and then the new Richard A. Ford President, went from meeting Steven M. Ford David G. Frey to meeting. In a narrative that Danny Gaydou begins on page 6 of this issue, Robert P. Griffin Becker shares his recollec- James P. Hackett tions of that day, graciously consenting to our request, and has provided the Robert T. Hartmann Ralph W. Hauenstein, Honorary Newsletter with the unique “Vice President’s/President’s Daily Schedule” shown Carla A. Hills on this page. Roderick M. Hills A former Justice Depart- Robert L. Hooker ment attorney, Becker served G. Richard Katzenbach Thomas E. Kauper as counsel to Congressman Henry A. Kissinger Ford on the occasion of his James T. Lynn House and Senate confirma- John O. Marsh, Jr. F. David Matthews tion hearings for the Office M. Peter McPherson of Vice President, under the Frederik G.H. Meijer, Honorary then-recently ratified provi- Hank Meijer sions of the 25th amend- Mark Murray Terrence O’Donnell ment. Becker served as a per- Paul H. O’Neill sonal counsel to President Seymour K. Padnos Ford during the weeks pre- Leon W. Parma ceding the swearing-in and Peter H. Pocklington Donald H. Rumsfeld the presidential transition Brent Scowcroft that followed. In that capaci- Peter F. Secchia ty he made several recom- L. William Seidman mendations for the disposi- Glenn D. Steil Joseph M. Sweeney tion of President Nixon's Steve Van Andel papers and was integral in Jay Van Andel, Honorary stopping their destruction or Frank G. Zarb shipment to San Clemente. Dennis Daellenbach Ex-Officio Diane VanAllsburg Administrative Assistant A Good Partner: The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies

alph Hauenstein has experienced a good bit of history The Hauenstein Center is also making its mark with a new, R in his 92 years. A colonel in the U.S. Army during dynamic website at www.allpresidents.org, which is updated World War II, he was chief of Intelligence under General daily with the most incisive news about the current and for- Dwight Eisenhower, and was among the first Americans into mer presidents. The equivalent of a book—about 75,000 liberated , Nazi concentration camps, and war-torn words—is posted each week on allpresidents.org. The site fea- . Those experiences moved Hauenstein to ponder tures exclusive material on the presidents and is a reliable the nature of leadership in a democracy: “In my lifetime— resource for students, scholars, and the public. The number during , World War II, and the Cold War— of hits the site is receiving is growing dramatically. Western democracies survived threat after threat because of All these developments are attracting attention in West strong, courageous leaders. Today we are faced with a new Michigan and around the nation. Robert Dallek, bestselling threat—the war on terror—and America needs good lead- author of An Unfinished Life, is enthusiastically behind the ers as much as ever.” Center’s mission. He is watching our success at “developing The idea to inspire and teach a new generation of the Hauenstein Center into a significant venue for discus- American leaders led Hauenstein to endow the Hauenstein sion of the country’s many domestic and foreign concerns.” Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State And Roger Porter, of Harvard’s Kennedy School of University. Established with a gift in 2001, the Center hosts Government, observed, “One cannot but be impressed with major conferences and eminent speakers who can comment the Hauenstein Center. The place vibrates with high-quali- authoritatively on U.S. presidents and their role as leaders. ty activity. I will follow your progress with great interest.” During the past academic year, the Hauenstein Center Progress should be substantial because, working togeth- has held a conference unveiling the first scholarly book on er, the Hauenstein Center and Ford Foundation, Library the George W. Bush presidency (published by Oxford and Museum are able to offer outstanding programs to the University Press), and had the conference broadcast on C- people of West Michigan. “The Center enjoys a close working —BY GLEAVES WHITNEY, Hauenstein Center Director relationship with the Gerald R. Ford Foundation and the Most Recent Collaborative Programs Gerald R. Ford Museum…” : More than Two Words, February 5, 2004. Jim Cooke, who has portrayed the 30th president of the United States SPAN to a national audience. The Center enjoys a close in various productions since 1975, including the Emmy Award-win- working relationship with the Gerald R. Ford Foundation ning docudrama, Campaign Fever, has over the years taken his pop- and the Gerald R. Ford Museum, having co-sponsored three ular show across the country to colleges, presidential libraries, the lectures by Garry Wills, Roger Porter and Robert Dallek at National Archives, the Smithsonian and the . the Ford Museum last fall. We have also worked with the Who was Herbert Hoover? The Political Odyssey of a Misunderstood Smithsonian Institution and World Affairs Council to bring Man, February 25, 2004. George Nash, the nation’s premier outstanding speakers before audiences in Michigan. authority on President Hoover, discussed the half-century long An exciting slate of speakers will be coming to Grand career of this brainy, quirky president who made enormous contri- Rapids in future months, and this fall the Center is planning butions to the United States during the very difficult time of the . Nash was commissioned in 1975 by the Herbert Hoover Association to prepare the definitive, “…this fall the Center is planning a multi-volume scholarly biography of Hoover. major conference on religion and the George Washington: On the Wrong Side of the Slavery Issue? April 15, presidency that will attract scholars from 2004. Dr. William B. Allen presented his rebuttal to a recent schol- arly portrayal of our first president as a proud, ambitious individ- around the nation. Also in the planning phase ual whose private conflict over race and slavery was resolved too are leadership seminars…” late. Few scholars have written more insightfully about our first president than the Michigan State University professor, editor of George Washington: A Collection, and contributing writer to Patriot a major conference on religion and the presidency that will Sage: George Washington and the American Political Tradition. attract scholars from around the nation. Also in the plan- ning phase are leadership seminars that will identify and cultivate a new generation of young people who are inspired [Photographs and captions courtesy of the Hauenstein Center’s website: to lead and to serve. www.allpresidents.org] 4 New Logo Unites Presidential Libraries

he Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum is part of the T Presidential Library system of the National Archives and Records Administration. NARA's Presidential Libraries stretch across time and the country, from the Herbert Hoover Library in West Branch, , to the William Clinton Library, scheduled for dedication this November, in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the number of Libraries has grown, so has increased cooperation and joint pro- gramming. Each Library is unique, but there is also a mutual mission with such things as Presidential Library-quality exhibits shared across the system. The Presidential Library system has a new logo to enhance this common identity. Strengthening the bonds of the Library system in turn strengthens the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum. Look for this new face of Presidential Libraries at all the Libraries across the country.

A Special Afternoon with Susan Ford

usan Ford Bales made a special appearance at the Museum last October 26 to talk S about her life in the White House as a teenager, and after the White House, espe- cially as co-author of a new book, Sharp Focus. The book is the second in a series of First Daughter Mystery Novels that she began in 2002 with the publication of Double Exposure. A book-signing took place after her remarks.

Ford Foundation Chairman Marty Allen discusses the great collaboration between the Hauenstein Center, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, and the Ford Museum and Library.

Hauenstein Center Director Gleaves Whitney quotes from , stat- ing that "Jim Coooke does Calvin Coolidge better than Coolidge him- self!" Dr. George Nash making the Dr. William B. Allen point that Hoover was one of our most prolific authors among the presidents. A bibliography of his published writings and addresses contains more than 1,200 entries. He wrote seven books between the ages of 85 and 90.

Dr. George Nash being introduced to Fred and Lena Meijer at a gath- ering of the Friends of Ford.

5 BY Thirty Years Ago...August 9, 1974 BENTON BECKER ecalling the impressions and emotions present at the White East Room. Invitations to the ceremony needed to be hasti- R House thirty years ago, on August 9, 1974, the day that ly extended, received, and acknowledged. For some, like Gerald Ford was administered the oath of office of President of the longtime colleague and golfing buddy, Tip ‘O Neill, a per- United States, rekindled conflicting feelings. Feelings that included sonal telephone invitation was in order. When the Vice joy, anger, and exhaustion. But, above all, pride. Pride, derived from President invited Tip ‘O Neill, the future Speaker demon- the historical context for simply having been there at that time. Pride, strated his well know charm and Irish wit, remarking “Isn’t that evolves from having satisfactorily completed a difficult task. this a wonderful country? Here we can talk like this and you And pride, for having been privileged to provide assistance to a man and I can be friends, and eighteen months from now (dur- of such integrity and intellectual honesty on that memorable date. ing the 1976 Presidential race) I’ll be going around the country kicking your ass.” The amused Vice President The Day Before responded, “That’s a hell of way for a Congressman to speak Early in the afternoon, one day before August 9, 1974, to the next President of the United States.” President Nixon met privately with Vice President Ford in Another person who needed to speak to the Vice the . The President had President that day was Ford’s longtime aid and speechwriter, something important to relate in Bob Hartmann. Hartmann had person to his Vice President of quickly composed an Acceptance nine months. “I have made the Speech (not an Inaugural Address) decision to resign…it’s in the best for the new President to deliver at interest of the country,” Nixon said the conclusion of the next day’s in a firm voice. The President’s swearing-in ceremony. Incredibly, unprecedented announcement given the limited notice afforded was followed by forty minutes of Hartmann to write the speech, the free flowing dialogue, with Nixon speech was perfect in tone and doing most of the talking. He content for the next day’s quasi- spoke of foreign policy, SALT II solemn, quasi-joyous ceremony. It negotiating with Russian Premier was pure Jerry Ford. With one Brezhnev, the deplorable state of exception. The Vice President’s the US economy, Cabinet and sen- sensibilities were offended by one ior White House personnel and sentence in the speech, believing it possible worthy candidates for the to be “too hard on President soon-to-be-vacant Office of Vice Nixon.” Ford told Hartmann he President. When the arrangements wanted the sentence deleted. for the next day’s swearing in cere- Hartmann disagreed… and a mony and Nixon’s family depar- debate ensued. The one line was ture were resolved, the conversa- ultimately allowed to remain intact. tion ended abruptly. President Today, thirty years later, that one Nixon thanked the Vice President sentence remains the most quoted for, “his support over these painful phrase from President Ford’s weeks” and offered his “prayers in Acceptance Speech, “Our long national nightmare is over.”

the days and years ahead.” Material Staff Presidential Nixon Courtesy The remainder of the Vice “I have made the decision to At day’s end, concluding with a President’s day was devoted to a late meeting with Henry Kissinger, resign…it’s in the best interest of the Vice President returned to his thousand details that required the country…” planning, scheduling and coordi- modest home in Virginia. After a nating the anticipated August 9 quite dinner with Betty Ford and swearing-in. They included ensuring travel arrangements to the children, and a quick read of the day’s News Summaries, Washington for Chief Justice Warren Burger, vacationing at the future President retired early. Tomorrow was going to be the time in the Netherlands. An Air Force plane had to be a busy day. dispatched to fly the Chief Justice to a location where a non- stop flight to Washington could be obtained. The already “The Festering Crisis is Resolved” pared-down list had to be further reduced to no more than As if August 9, 1974 was going to be another day at the 275 guests, the maximum number of people allowed in the office, the Vice President early and made his own 6 breakfast (one an interview with historian James Cannon, President Ford toasted Eng- described his feeling at that moment. “I was inwardly, lish muffin deeply saddened that a longtime, personal friend…whom I and coffee). admired greatly as a superb foreign policy Commander in At 8:00 AM, he Chief would resign the Presidency… To have such a tragedy carried his happen to good friends was extremely difficult to under- own briefcase stand and accept.” “On the other hand, it was a tremendous to the Vice relief to have the festering crisis resolved. For the previous President’s nine months I had been sitting on a time bomb, with a blow limousine, up likely to take place at any time, as damaging evidence and, in the kept surfacing.” Courtesy Nixon Presidential Material Staff Presidential Nixon Courtesy company of “…the two couples then At 10:50 AM, the Vice Phil Buchen and Con- President and Mrs. Ford were gressman John Byrnes, walked four abreast, as seated in the Diplomatic drove to the White House. equals, down the White Reception Room, awaiting the Buchen and other mem- House lawn.” arrival of President Nixon and bers of a hastily formed ad his family. When the Nixons hoc Transition Team had drafted a four page memorandum arrived, the two men spoke qui- for the future President. Buchen handed the memo to the etly to each other, whispering Vice President as the limousine departed the Ford home. remarks of consolation and The Transition Team memo addresses a variety of subjects, friendship. The moment was including the sensitive topic of The Continuation of Nixon awkward and tense. Within Staff and Nixon Policy versus Implementation of Ford moments, the outside door of

Administration changes. The memo warned, “You must walk the Reception Room swung Material Staff Presidential Nixon Courtesy a delicate line between compassion and consideration for open, and the President and the former President’s staff, and the rapid assertion of your Mrs. Nixon walked out onto a bright red carpet on the personal control over the Executive Branch.” Ford thanked White House lawn. Pausing for the Fords to join them, the them for a “fine job.” two couples then walked four abreast, as equals, down the When the Vice President’s limousine arrived at the White White House lawn. The red carpet led to a helicopter, ready House, President was completing his final to transport the breakfast in the Sitting Room and busily making Nixons to near- notes on his farewell speech to his White House staff, sched- by Andrews Air uled for later that morning. Nixon was interrupted by Chief Force Base, and of Staff, Al Haig, who handed the President an unsigned let- from there, to ter of resignation addressed to the Secretary of State. board Air Force “Something has to be done, Mr. President,” said Haig. One for San Nixon read the brief one sentence letter and, without com- Clemente, ment, signed it. The letter read, “I hereby resign the Office California. No of President of the United States, effective twelve noon, farewell remarks Eastern Standard Time, on August 9, 1974.” were scheduled At 8:45 AM, Secretary of State Kissinger visited the Vice to be made by President to suggest scheduling a number of ten to fifteen the departing minute meetings later that afternoon, from 2:30 to 7:00 PM, President. The with foreign Ambassadors. The Vice President agreed, care- Nixon family fully reserving some allotted afternoon time for Transition boarded the hel- advisors. After Kissinger left, and following a quick review of icopter first, and Material Staff Presidential Nixon Courtesy the text of his Acceptance Speech, in the quite solitude of as President Nixon climbed the “…and the the Vice President’s Executive Office Building office, the steps of the craft, he momentarily Administration of Vice President of the United States, like so many of his fel- halted before entering. Impul- Gerald R. Ford was low Americans that morning, turned on the and sively, he turned around to face watched President Nixon deliver an emotional farewell the White House lawn (and the about to begin.” address to his White House staff and Cabinet. Years later, in nation, via national TV) and 7 “…are you prepared to take the oath of Office of the President of the United States?”

raised both arms up- The Chief Justice stated, “Mr. Vice President,” (he would ward above his head, never again be addressed that way) are you prepared to take flashing for the last the oath of Office of the President of the United States?”

Courtesy Nixon Presidential Material Staff Presidential Nixon Courtesy time his “V” for victory Ford replied, “I am, sir.” Betty Ford, standing on the plat- “Alexander Haig signal. He turned back form between her husband and the Chief Justice, passed a and boarded the helicopter family Bible to her husband, opened to Proverbs 3, 5, and 6. delivered President quickly. In a moment, it was At twelve noon, the oath of office was administered. The Nixon’s letter of over. The helicopter motors new President resignation to accelerated, the craft ascended, then addressed Secretary of State the White House shrubs and the nation. Kissinger…” trees shook…and the Adminis- Mr. Ford’s tration of Gerald R. Ford was voice was strong, about to begin. but one could At 11:35 AM, as the White House helicopter was making sense an inner its way toward Andrews Air Force Base, Alexander Haig conflict between delivered President Nixon’s letter of resignation to Secretary an effort to main- of State Kissinger in Kissinger’s White House office. tain stern control By 11:36 AM, and an effort to seated some- avoid personal what tightly in emotion. The crowd reacted the East Room noticeably with head nods “…the newly anxiously await- and barely audible sighs as installed President ing the arrival of the new President an- and First Lady exited the Vice Presi- nounced, “Our long nation- the East Room.” dent, were 275 al nightmare is over.” One quiet, well man- emotional eruption occurred nered “inaugu- during the speech, when the President asked for the ral” guests. The nation’s “prayers for Richard Nixon and his family.” East Room was Speaking these words brought to the President’s mind his “…the arrival of the the same room own recent prayers for guidance and he became emotional- where less than ninety min- ly caught up, pausing momentarily before continuing. Vice President…” utes earlier President Nixon The entire ceremony was over in less than twenty min- had delivered his farewell to utes. The Marine Band played as the the staff. This gathering of dignitaries and friends for the newly installed President and First Lady exited the East Ford swearing-in could well have been described as… the Room. They proceeded to the for a sentimental government of the United States. Wearing his traditional visit with President Ford’s former congressional colleagues black robes of office, the silver haired Chief Justice entered. Speaker Carl Albert (now for the second time in his life, He calmly walked to a raised platform in front of the room, number one in presidential succession), Senator Mike patiently prepared to preside at the appointed time. The atmosphere was a strange blend of solemness (almost funer- al like) mixed with a collective sense of relief. At 11:58 AM, the Marine Band struck up The Fight Song, as the Vice President and Mrs. Ford entered the room. Believing the occasion inappropriate for musical flourishes, the Vice President had earlier directed that Hail to the Chief not “…a sentimental to be played. An invisible micro- visit with phone intoned “The Vice President President Ford’s of the United States and Mrs. former Ford.” A deafening silence covered the room as the Fords joined the congressional Chief Justice on a small platform. colleagues…” 8 Mansfield and various others. As the East Room crowd disbursed and departed, the crowd’s prior despondent manner followed. An obvious “The balance of the day… and noticeable change permeated the East Room (and con- was spent conferring with currently, the nation). It was, as Bryce Harlow stated, “The Ambassadors…” nation’s frown had been replaced with a national smile.” Guests departing the East Room and entered the White House hallways could not avoid noticing the change that evi- denced the passage of the torch of freedom to a new leader. Less than thirty minutes earlier those same White House walls that had for the past five years displayed framed pho- tos of Richard Nixon, the Nixon family and Tricia Nixon’s White House wedding, now only featured framed photos of Gerald and Betty Ford and the Ford children, giving the impression that Gerald Ford had been President for years, not minutes. It was, at first, shocking…than reassuring. The newly hung White House photos carried a not too subtle message to the new President; Transition at the White House moves quickly and efficiently. At 1:05 PM, White House. The thirty-ish year old former assistant’s name at nearby was . Dulles Airport The remainder of the day was a whirlwind. At 1:30 PM, in Virginia, an President Ford was unexpectedly ushered by Chief of Staff Al airplane origi- Haig into an unscheduled meeting with the senior members nating from of the Nixon White House staff. This brief session was fol- Nice, , lowed by a prolonged Economic Conference in the Cabinet landed, carry- Room with Board Chairman Arthur Burns, ing passen- the Reserve Board Chairman designee Alan Greenspan, gers; US Am- Treasury Secretary William Simon and others. This meeting “…an unscheduled meeting with bassador to would be the first of hundreds and hundreds of hours, the the senior members of the Nixon NATO Donald new President would spend on over the next three years try- White House staff.” Rumsfeld, and ing (successfully) to cure the nation’s massive economic Mrs. Rums- woes. The balance of the day, through 7:00 PM, was spent feld. One day conferring with Ambassadors, assuring them and their earlier, while vacationing in southern France, Rumsfeld nations that US foreign policy remained the same, notwith- received a message that the Vice President had requested standing our change in Head of State. Some of the foreign him to come to Washington Ambassadors that conferred with the new “immediately.” A White President that afternoon and evening repre- House car and driver met sented Russia, Japan, People’s Republic of the Rumsfelds at the airport, China, Israel, and various Latin American whereupon Ambassador nations. During the session with USSR Am- Rumsfeld was handed a bassador Dobrynin, the Ambassador was force- sealed envelope containing a fully informed by the new President that under letter from Ford asking him no circumstances should the seek to head his new Transition to take advantage of this new period of change Team. Rumsfeld invited his in the American Presidency. former assistant, who had At 5:40 PM, the President met in the also met the Rumsfelds at Cabinet Room with the new Transition Team the airport on that faithful “…a prolonged Economic that had been assigned the task of organizing day, to accompany him to the Conference…” and carrying out the ongoing Executive Branch [continued on page 17] 9 America in the 1920s Americall That Jazz: America in the 1920s, Fitzgerald and Sinclair in A the Museum’s first in-house pro- Lewis, displaying duction in the new temporary exhibit Hemingway’s passport gallery, opened January 31, 2004 and and notes from his defined the Museum’s programming book, A Farewell to Arms, throughout the winter. Comprised of and the opening type- 260 artifacts and documents from over written page of Sin- 60 leading institutions, the exhibit clair Lewis’ book examines how major areas of Main Street, with hand- American cultural life were trans- written changes. In the formed in this seminal decade from Golden Age of Hollywood their Victorian trailings into world viewers find items from leadership. Literature, music, film, Gloria Swanson, cos- tumes from Tom Viewing the exhibit section entitled Jazz: America’s Music. Mix and Al Jol- son, and the Roman outfit worn represent the era when the automo- by Francis X. Bushman in the bile transformed our culture and land- 1925 film Ben Hur. The vibrant scape. A multitude of other historical music of the day is signified artifacts are displayed, such as a text- by Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, book from John Scope’s classroom, Jelly Roll Morton’s handwritten the first Miss America robe, Houdini’s music and items from George leg irons, a gun used by Sacco and Gershwin and Cole Porter, Vanzetti in their ill-fated robbery, the and more. first radio and television broadcasts, In other sections the exhibit ’s movie camera used portrays the Prohibition Era during football practice, Calvin with bootleg liquor dragged up Coolidge’s inaugural jacket and an from the rivers in Detroit and a original Norman Rockwell painting. brick from the wall of the St. The Museum extends its gratitude to Valentine’s Day Massacre. The the exhibit’s underwriters for making Great Sports Heroes are embod- it all possible, the Steelcase ied in Red Grange’s Most Useful Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Player trophy from the Big Ten, Foundation. ’s uniform, the silks and saddle from Man O’War, and Hoisting the Model A up to the new temporary medals won by exhibit gallery. Bobby Jones, Bill Tilden, and sports, technology—all were lifted to Johnny Weissmuller. new heights. The Roaring 20s was a Other Heroes like vibrant decade that continues to Lindbergh impact on the cultural life of our (flight goggles), nation even today. Richard Byrd (elec- A decade of great literary achieve- trified flight suit), ment, the 1920s also marked the rise and Gertrude Ederle of Hollywood and the emergence of (swimming goggles) jazz as a unique American music. The are honored, while a Framed banking posters, patent books, and a 1920s cash regis- exhibit honors the great writers with Model A Ford and a ter in the Mass Consumerism area of the exhibit. the lines of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott 1929 Duesenberg 10 nWhite the House Weekend, February 13-151920sGuyton’s American flag project. Guyton, a Grand Rapids native, has traveled the country asking young and old to Sporting a 1920s theme, the sign 20 by 30 inch cloth panels which will eventually be Museum’s annual White House incorporated into a 21 by 25 foot American flag. His stop at Weekend opened on Friday night the Museum secured the signatures required to reach his with a portrayal of by goal of 50,000, thus completing the project. Guyton hopes Jessa Piaia of Cambridge, Mass- “to further enrich the historical relevance of America by achusetts, who delighted audiences focusing on the significance of America’s strengths through with tales of the observance of Flag Day and other symbolic events.” The Earhart’s life finished flag will be displayed throughout the country. and love of aviation. On the following Family Theatre Series Jessa Piaia as Amelia Saturday Earhart February 14, March 13 evening Bill Howard Taylor’s Tales of the Great Depression, premiered and Sue Wills before a Grand Rapids audience on February 14, highlight- returned for ing childhood activities in 1920s America. The second per- a second year formance in the series marked Women’s History Month. in Presidents On March 13, in Michigan Magic, Sandra Hansen utilized and their First Herbert and Lou Hoover theater and magic to tell the stories of five influential Ladies, drama- Michigan women, including abolitionist Laura Haviland tically speaking, entertaining and Smith and Gail George, a tribal chief. informing with wonderful conversa- tions between our First Couples of the 1920s: Calvin and Grace A New Film Series Coolidge and Herbert and Lou Calvin and Grace The 1920s was the Golden Age of Coolidge Hoover. Events culminated on Hollywood when America became Sunday afternoon with Ray Kamalay the unquestioned leader in the and his Red Hot Peppers—a lively and informative jazz concert movie industry. By mid-decade featuring 1920s music with historical notations. movie production ranked as our country’s fourth largest industry, Presidents Day, February 16 raking in $2 billion annually and The festivities churning out an average of 700 continued on films each year. And the decade cre- Monday, Pre- ated the first great screen icons sidents Day, for such as Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, and 640 visitors, 400 Charlie Chaplin who, it was said, was known by name and of whom were sight to more of his contemporaries in all the lands than children. Ten anyone who had ever lived. 20-minute mini- In an age of dizzying statistics, performances consider that by the end of the throughout the decade 100 million Americans John Swartz made a return visit to the day by General attended a movie each week when Museum as George Washington George the nation’s population stood at Washington only 122 million. thoroughly delighted children and parents alike as the For five weeks in March the nation’s first president apprised them of various aspects of Museum hosted a series of films his life and times. The shows took place in the New from and about the 1920s, all in Michigan Room, where capacity crowds enjoyed its intimate conjunction with the Museum’s fea- setting. Other activities included showings of WGVU-TV’s ture exhibit All That Jazz: America in ever-popular show Liberty’s Kids, presidential birthday cake the 1920s: Ben Hur (1925), The Sheik (1921), The Gold Rush and patriotic crafts. (1925), Wings (1927), Inherit the Wind (1960) and The Jazz Programming was further enhanced by Raymond Singer (1927). 11 The First President Gerald R. Ford Essay Challenge

eptember 11, 2001, changed America and Americans. to explore the concepts upon which our great nation was S The tragedy of that day nearly three years ago brought founded. It is my wish that it will help a new generation out a great spirit and patriotism in the hearts of Americans understand what it truly means to be an American.” And across our country, with many people articulating through challenge students it did. Over 500 students from schools their words and actions what being an American truly means throughout West Michigan submitted essays. After an in- to them. It was hoped that the first President Gerald R. Ford depth review, the judging panel selected six entries for the Essay Challenge would help students articulate their top three places and three honorable mention awards. thoughts, focusing on the theme, The Meaning of Liberty The Essay Challenge winners were announced and Today. In announcing the new initiative, President Ford stat- awarded a total of $4,500 in bonds at a ceremony at the ed, “…I am pleased to announce the new President Gerald R. Museum on the evening of Presidents Day, February 16, with Ford Essay Challenge … a competition for high school stu- family, friends, and teachers in attendance. Lainey Bowen, dents sponsored by The Grand Rapids Press Newspapers in of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, won the Education program, AXA Advisors, as well as the Museum. first place prize with her essay, “Twelve Candles, Two This significant new essay contest will challenge students Towers.”

President Ford’s Remarks to Students Who Participated in the President Gerald R. Ford Essay Challenge ongratulations to all the students founders joined together in ordaining serving our country in World War II C who so thoughtfully participated and establishing a Constitution of the was such an experience. I saw first in this first President Gerald R. Ford United States of America “to secure hand how the unalienable right and Essay Challenge. I am very proud to be the blessings of liberty” to themselves blessing of liberty were not some part of this new “classroom for democ- and to posterity. abstract concepts. Freedom, justice, racy” experience. As you have ex- These words, these values, from the and liberty had real meaning and moti- plored The Meaning of Liberty Today, very beginnings of this great nation vation as we fought to protect and pre- you have grown in your appreciation are now well over two hundred years serve our great national values. For and understanding of the priceless old. But you have reminders all your generation today, the tragedies of legacy of liberty, freedom, equality, jus- around you each and every day of how September 11, 2001, will always be tice, and democracy that unite us as much liberty is a part of our rich her- your moment in time when liberty was Americans. itage. The stands tall under attack. Just as those who have In 1976, I had the great honor and in harbor, lifting high her gone before you, I have no doubt that high privilege of serving as President torch of freedom to welcome people you will come together to proclaim of the United States during our from all over the world to the that the American spirit of liberty is nation’s 200th birthday. We celebrat- American adventure. With our hands strong and will endure. ed the bicentennial of the adoption of over our hearts, we pledge allegiance Growing up in Grand Rapids—yes, the Declaration of Independence. to the flag of the United States of many years ago—I learned at an early ’s immortal words America, as one nation under God, age the values that are still with me declared that all men are endowed by with liberty and justice for all. I have today. The world has changed, but not their creator with the unalienable seen the design of the new Michigan the striving for freedom and liberty that right of liberty. The Declaration of quarter, with the state surrounded by are in every human heart. I challenge Independence was truly an inspiration the magnificent Great Lakes. And the you students to live every day by these and guiding star for equality, freedom, one word that is shining on the front cherished ideals. Pass them on as an and justice. Jefferson’s fellow Virginia of this quarter, and on all U.S. coins in inspiration for future generations. As patriot, Patrick Henry, boldly pro- our pockets and purses, is “liberty.” our founding patriots did more than claimed how precious was this unalien- For each generation of Americans, two centuries ago, in the words able right: “Give me liberty, or give me through these more than two cen- inscribed on the in death.” And at the end of the turies, there can be a shared experi- , “Proclaim liberty Revolutionary War, when they won ence that defines the meaning of liber- throughout all the land.” their independence, our nation’s ty on a very personal level. For me,

12 Museum Store: A Brand New Look

The last phase of the Ford seum Store is now a brightly-lit space crafted line of culturally interesting T Museum renovation was complet- that makes efficient use of every and nostalgic gifts, including 1920s ed in early December, 2003, wrapping square inch. The reception desk is the model airplanes and charming balance up a grueling 3 months of marble dust “shining star” of the project, made of toys, some of which are shown here. marble and a stunning mid- “The Flying Circus night-blue Jenny heralding the Corian. A jewel- new Age of Flight. ry case shows Barnstormers off wonderful conquering the nation.” pieces of jewel- ry and an at- tached book The Spirit of St. Louis case displays “A young airmail pilot kid’s book at a flew solo, crowing the child’s eye Atlantic. A First! New level. The in- York to Paris non-stop, 3,520 miles or 5,670 ventory room kilometers. His name: was reorgan- : ized into work The Year: 1927.” activity “pods;” and jackhammers. Key to the remodel- its square footage more than doubled. Flying Tiger Balance Toy ing was the creation of an outer lobby The renovation was completed in “Suddenly five huge for visitors and renovation of the time to display exciting new inventory yellow and black tigers Museum Store, both located at the related to the America in the 1920s streaked in, silent and entrance. To achieve the new look, a exhibit, including some very popular fast. The trainer 7,000 pound greeting wall that formed 1920’s inspired jewelry, cotton throws, entered from a side gate, and ordered each one side of the Museum Store had to paper dolls, and catalog house plans one onto brightly be moved. It was no mean feat. from the era. In addition, the Museum painted pedestals." Fitted with new slat wall covers, Store has become an authorized dealer trim and new display cases, the Mu- of Authentic Models, a beautifully hand-

Log on to our website to see our NEW and UPDATED Museum Store Catalog:

www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov

13 Director’s Report on Researchers and the Ford Library

he Ford Library strives every day to live up to the Library. The University of Michigan’s History Honors class T enlightened goals President Gerald R. Ford expressed came to the Library for an introduction to research. From in his deed of gift for his papers. In his deed, the President Wayne State University, a professor brought an archives specifically stated his desire for an archival facility where class to the Library to learn from how we handle our audio- “students, historians and other scholars” could draw upon visual materials. David Horrocks made a presentation to the papers “in order accurately to recount and judge the an American Diplomatic History class at nearby Concordia political history of our times and my participation in the University, with students following up with research at the events of that history.” Placing the facility “in Ann Arbor, Library. Students from outside the area have included a Michigan, in connection with a long-established, diversified class from Canada, and a researcher from David and distinguished institution of higher learning” was espe- Eisenhower’s seminar at the University of . cially important. Being on the campus of The University of And, as noted before in the Newsletter, the Library contin- Michigan meant the papers would be “readily available to a ues to have waves of teams of State Department historians large resident faculty and student body and to visiting schol- conducting research in the papers for the Foreign ars and researchers from throughout this nation and from Relations of the United States series. other countries.” A valuable component for scholars working in the papers A critical part of making Gerald Ford’s papers readily is our research grants program, generously funded by the available is the Library’s strong student researcher ties with Ford Foundation. Furthering President Ford’s goal of hav- The University of Michigan. Director Dennis Daellenbach’s ing the papers “readily available…to visiting scholars from history class last fall on the Ford Presidency had fourteen throughout this nation and from other countries,” the grant hard-working, dedicated recipients are quality researchers doing significant work in students who researched the papers. Their contributions to scholarship, along with “…President Ford said, and wrote first-rate under- other outside scholars, are important in sustaining the graduate seminar papers. Library as a first-class research institution. ‘Congratulations. They Commenting to Director The Library staff has also been especially successful in Daellenbach on the pa- getting the word out in the wider academic community pers, President Ford said, about the research value of the Ford papers. Geir were excellent. Please “Congratulations. They Gundersen’s article, “The Gerald Ford Library,” appeared in were excellent. Please let the December 2003 issue of Passport, the newsletter of the let the students know the students know how Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations much I appreciated their (SHAFR). In March, the National Coalition for History work.” The Director is (NCH) electronic newsletter featured a special notice about how much I appreciated looking forward to teach- our newly-designed web presentation of our collection ing again for the History descriptions, including links to full collection finding aids their work. ’ ” Department this fall with a and other web information. special seminar on the On a different front, it has been a pleasure to welcome 1976 Presidential election. two new additions to the Library’s archives staff. Brooke A second capstone research class with The University of Clement (BA-Michigan, MA-Columbia) joined the staff in Michigan has been Prof. David R. Smith’s course on the January, and Joshua Cochran (BA-Aquinas, MA-Western Vietnam War. Under the oversight of David Horrocks, the Michigan) started in March. Everyone is pleased to have staff has worked with over ninety of Prof. Smith’s students these two recent graduates on staff helping to create a solid this winter semester as they research and write on the events foundation for the future at the Library. and lessons of that provocative war. In addition, students Now, back to President Ford’s deed of gift. Fulfilling his from other classes, including several political science cours- goals, the Library is indeed making his papers widely and es, have come on their own to use the Library’s materials as readily available to all researchers, from students at The they prepared research papers. And it isn’t just using the University of Michigan to scholars from across the country. papers. Last fall, in cooperation with the University’s Bentley It is our privilege at the Library to be involved with these Library next door during their construction, for several dynamic developments, as we successfully build and sustain months the Bentley staff brought their records over to the the appropriate recognition and place in history for Gerald Ford Library so their students and scholars could continue R. Ford and his Presidency. to do their research. BY DENNIS DAELLENBACH There are other examples also of “students, historians Director, Gerald Ford Library and Museum and scholars” drawing on the resources of the Ford 14 One Student’s Research Experience

ollege students make several hundred research visits to Kelley came back a couple weeks later, this time for a C the Library each year. Kelley Harvilla, a University of paper in Professor Hanes Walton’s political science class on Michigan political science major, is among this year’s stu- political parties. With a classmate pursuing parallel dent researchers, and she has told us something of the expe- research, Kelley examined files on the 1976 Republican rience from her perspective. Party platform found in the papers of press secretary Ron Kelley, like many intrepid students in history professor Nessen and presidential assistant Michael Raoul-Duval. David Smith’s class on the Vietnam War, used Ford archival Professors Smith and Walton were key to Kelley’s records in her course paper. Uniquely, though, Kelley research, bringing the archival resources to their students’ brought along her father. "When I told him I was going to attention and working with Library staff to plan effective vis- the Ford Library, he expressed an interest in coming along, its. Faculty partners are vital, and not all are from the especially when I told him we could watch (network news) University of Michigan. From nearby Concordia University, television footage of the fall of Saigon. When we were there, for example, Professor Julianne Frost recently assigned her we both thought it was very cool that we could actually hold diplomatic history students to examine the Kissinger- original documents. I remember we were looking at memos Scowcroft files. They viewed documents declassified so from Henry Kissinger, and thinking, ‘Wow, he held this.’ We recently that not even scholars have seen them. Even from were also looking at documents on U.S. concerns over distant University of Pennsylvania, Professor David China’s involvement….we both learned more about the Eisenhower, no stranger to presidential libraries, periodical- conflict, and I got a chance to relate to (my dad) on some- ly sends a top undergraduate for several days’ research fund- thing he’s very interested in." ed by his school.

Gerald R. Ford Foundation Research Grant Awards

The Gerald R. Ford Foundation semi-annually awards grants of up to $2,000 to support research in the Ford Library’s collections. For grant application forms and information, please contact Helmi Raaska, Gerald R. Ford Library, 1000 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, by phone (734) 205-0559 or email [email protected]. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15. The recipients of the Spring 2004 awards and their topics are:

Randall Adkins Paul Coyer Christine Weiss UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND YALE UNIVERSITY/UNIVERSITY OF Leadership in Crisis – Impeachment and POLITICAL SCIENCE HEIDELBERG Scandal (chapter in The Healer in Chief: Tacit Allies? Sino-American Strategic Presidential Spouses in Campaign Strategies, Presidential Leadership in Crisis and Grief) Cooperation, 1971-1976 1960-1992

Randall Balmer Brent Geary Scott Williams OHIO UNIVERSITY PENN STATE UNIVERSITY Piety and the Presidency from John F. Riding the Wave: U.S. Public Diplomacy, Dead Right in Philadelphia: The Rise of Kennedy to George W. Bush Egypt and Arab Nationalism from 1956 to Conservatism in the Northeast, 1960-1980 1979 Jeff Bloodworth Julian Zelizer OHIO UNIVERSITY Matias Spektor SUNY-ALBANY Solzhenitsyn Affair UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Overcoming Vietnam? The Political History Henry Kissinger and Brazil (1969-1983) of the National Security State since the 1960s Mark Boulton UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE Daniel Weimer Learning a New Narrative: Vietnam NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE Veterans in Higher Education, 1965-1985 Seeing Drugs: The United States and Narcotics Control in the Third World, 1969- 1976

15 An Interview with Audiovisual Researcher Mike Grass

ike Grass, a Grand Rapids-based writer/producer for M Strategic Communications, first visited the Ford Library in March of last year to prepare a 30 minute docu- mentary on President Ford for Grand Rapids public televi- sion. Gerald Ford Turning 90 aired last July 27, as Grand Rapids celebrated President Ford’s 90th Birthday. The show recently won the 2004 Michigan Association of Broadcasters “Best in Category” Award for a News Special and also received the “Best Documentary” Award from the Michigan Associated Press. Grass previously covered Gerald Ford as congressman, vice president and president while on the news staff of Grand Rapids’ WOOD-TV in the 1970’s. He and his show’s host, Matt McLogan, were among the select few journalists to be in the East Room of the White House on August 9, 1974, when Gerald Ford took the oath of office as President Producer /writer Mike Grass and director/videographer/editor Rob of the United States. During his latest research visit, Mike Byrd display the 2003 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award for Grass sat down to talk with the Library’s audiovisual archivist Best News Special they received for Gerald Ford Turning 90. Kenneth Hafeli. What is the purpose of your research? President Ford, Vice President Cheney, Governor Jennifer Granholm, James Cannon, William Seidman, Susan Ford “I am writing and producing a major documentary on Bales, Tom DeFrank of the New York Daily News, Helen President Ford for WGVU-TV, the PBS affiliate in Grand Thomas, Mort Kondracke of Roll Call, Werner Veit, former Rapids. We produced a 1/2 hour version which was aired editor and publisher of The Grand Rapids Press, Peter back in July, in conjunction with Gerald Ford’s 90th Secchia and Minister Emeritus of the Fountain Street Birthday. That was more for a local audience. Because no Church and Duncan Littlefair, who passed away in January. definitive documentary has even been produced or broad- I also used videotaped interviews with Henry Kissinger, cast on the subject matter, we determined to produce a one- George H. W. Bush, , and Colin Powell pro- hour documentary about Mr. Ford, as well. That’s the gen- vided by the Library.” esis of the project. The documentary will be titled after James Cannon’s Have you been to other Presidential Libraries? book, Time and Chance. I’ve interviewed Jim Cannon exten- “No. I have done some archival work before, but just sively and he has given us permission to use the title of his through libraries in general—nothing this extensive or book as the title of our film.” sophisticated.” Are you finding the material that you need at the As you looked at the materials did other ideas pop up Ford Library? like other types of documentaries you could do, not “Initially I had no idea how to start, so I began in Grand necessarily on President Ford but… Rapids, at the Ford Museum. Even though the Museum had “I produce documentaries, corporate programs and historical copious amounts of photographs and documentation, I was programs—writing them as well as producing them in con- directed to the Ford Library in Ann Arbor, where I found a junction with television stations and independent funding wealth of background information, both in print and in sources. My research experience at the Ford Library certainly media. While at the Library I culled through the photo- gives me some ideas on where and how I might investigate graphs for items to illustrate the script that I wrote and viewed other projects. In fact, I’ve already proposed two documentary documentary footage from throughout Ford’s Presidency, his projects to PBS inspired by my research here. It’s been a great Congressional days, and his Vice Presidency. I was extremely experience and an easy experience, thanks to the Library staff. pleased with the quantity and the quality of the material here Ken Hafeli has been very helpful in providing direction in in Ann Arbor. Without the Museum, and certainly without where to go to look for the information I needed.” the Library, this project would be impossible to finish.”

How do you go about doing your research? As this issue goes to press, Mike Grass’ one-hour documentary “My process is to interview first then find material to fit the on Gerald R. Ford has been scheduled to show on national public interviewee’s remarks. For this project I interviewed television in Fall 2004. 16 “…the President met in the Cabinet Room with the new Transition Team…”

to the White House press corp that Nixon had signed [continued from page 9] no pardons for transition from the Nixon to the Ford Administration. The himself or others, President appointed four former House veterans with whom and that the Nixon he had worked closely as Minority Leader to head the Team. tapes “are still in The four were Donald Rumsfeld, Interior Secretary Rogers the White House.” Morton, Pennsylvania Governor William Scranton and Jack A reporter then Marsh. Phil Buchen’s unofficial ad hoc team would be dis- cited Ford’s re- solved and replaced with this new team. Contrary to sponse to a ques- Richard Reeve’s scathing (and fictional) description of this tion asked of him meeting in his 1975 volume “A Ford, Not a Lincoln”, it was during the then Congressman’s fif- “…ter Horst the new President, not Al Haig, who demonstrated “a com- teen plus hours of testimony at the reported back to manding presence” throughout. Taking a moment to Senate and House Vice Presi- describe his personal work habits to the group, the dential Confirmation Hearings, the White House President related that he, “starts work at 8:00 AM, and would and asked the Press Secretary, “If press corp that begin with a daily intelligence briefing, followed by meet- Ford’s position was still not in Nixon had signed ings with Bob Hartmann, Jack Marsh on legislative liaison favor of granting Nixon immunity no pardons…” and with the Press Secretary.” By 10:00 AM, and not before, from prosecution?” “Yes,” the President Ford told his Transition Team he would be ready Press Secretary responded, “I can for morning appointments and other commitments, “I’ll assure you of that.” have an open door,” he warned “but don’t waste my time.” The work day mercifully ended at 8:00 PM. Finally, desirous of a flexable White House presidential On August 9, 1974, the Office of the President of the access structure, the President asked the Team to consider United States inherited by Gerald Ford was discredited and the feasability of implementing a “spokes-of-the-wheel” pro- devoid of public trust. That adhesive “glue” (truth) that cedure he had employed in his House Minority Leader President Ford spoke of at his swearing-in, that was used to office. Under that system, a Chief-of-Staff would be hold government together had dried out and been discard- replaced with a number of co-equal assistants who would ed. A significant number of the American people doubted, report to the President on different subjects daily. Although disputed and suspiciously questioned every announcement not vocalized at the time by any Transition Team member, and utterance of the federal government, particularly if it the suggested system was not warmly received. Particularly originated from the White House. This public distrust not by Al Haig. The meeting concluded with Don Rumsfeld adversely infected every aspect of the nation’s being, includ- warning that, barring some major catastrophe, the ing its ignored and sinking economy, its confusing percep- Transition Team should conclude their work expeditiously tion by the international community, its non-legislating and, “be out of here in a month.” (The Team finished its Legislative Branch, and its polarized generation of citizens work and disbanded in two weeks.) opposed to the continuation of governmenal status quo. A brief meeting with the Nixon Cabinet members fol- This almost indescribable chaos awaited Gerald R. Ford thir- lowed. It featured the new President informally walking ty years ago on August 9, 1974. As usual, Henry Kissinger from chair to chair around the Cabinet table, shaking hands has it right, when on August 9, 1974 he wrote, “No one had and speaking privately to each Cabinet member. The long taken over the Presidency under more challenging circum- day concluded with two late scheduled foreign Ambassador stances.” conferences. Like a Las Vegas casino, the White House has Throughout history, the American people have been no clocks and the day was extended further by two unantici- blessed with exceptional Presidentaial leadership in times of pated matters. The first involved a private Presidential brief- national crisis. Lincoln in 1860, Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 ing with CIA Director William Colby, lasting over thirty min- and in 1900 readily come to mind. To utes. The second was a request for answers to two questions this exalted list, add the name Gerald R. Ford in August posed to Press Secretary Jerry ter Horst late that afternoon. 1974…and, on behalf of the nation, join me in expressing The questions were: “Did former President Nixon sign a par- our heartfelt thanks to him. don for himself prior to leaving office?” “Did the former President take the White House tapes with him or are they [Sources used in this article include the personal memory and notes of the still in the White House?” After seeking and obtaining an author, James Cannon’s Time and Chance, Robert Hartmann’s Palace Politics, Richard Reeve’s A Ford, Not a Lincoln, and Gerald R. Ford’s A Time to Heal.] accurate response to the questions, ter Horst reported back 17 Are you a “Friend of Ford”?

Become a member of Friends of Ford and help support the Library & Museum's many exhibits and programs. Join us as we seek to enhance public understanding of American his- tory, government and the presidency. “I am profoundly Members of Friends of Ford receive many grateful for the kind valuable benefits: words that have been Free admission to the Gerald R. Ford Museum said about me, but the Advance notification of speakers and exhibits finest tribute of all will Invitation to pre-opening exhibit tours by a Museum staff member be to see the Gerald R. Foundation Newsletter, “News From The Ford” Ford Museum living Free admission for two guests per Museum visit and growing and con- 10% discount on merchandise at the Museum Store structive and useful.” Free admission to other nine Presidential Museums GERALD R. FORD Membership card MUSEUM DEDICATION Members at , Associate, Sustaining, Patron SEPTEMBER 18, 1981 and President's Cabinet membership levels receive additional benefits. As a member of Friends of Ford you are invited to participate in many special Museum activities that are not open to the general public.

To join the Friends of Ford, please mail the completed application form to the Gerald R. Ford Foundation at the address below or visit our website at http://www.geraldrfordfoundation.org. The Foundation’s administrative assistant, Diane VanAllsburg will be happy to answer any questions you may have. She may be reached at the address below, by telephone at (616) 254-0396, by email at [email protected].

Date______Name of Member______Title: Dr./ Mr./ Mrs./ Ms./ Miss/ other (please circle) Address______City______State______Zip______Phone: Daytime______Evening______E-mail Address______Fax ______

Membership Level Choices (please check one): Payment Choice: ___ Individual: $35-$49 ____ Check (enclosed) ___ Family: $50-$99 ____ Charge Card (check card type) ___ Associate: $100-$249 ____ MasterCard ___ Sustaining: $250-$499 ___ Patron: $500-$1,000 ____ Visa ___ President's Cabinet: $1,000 and above ____ American Express ____ Discover Checks should be made payable to the “Friends of Ford.” If you are using a credit card you may prefer to Card number ______fax your application to Diane Van Allsburg at (616)254-0403. Please mail your application to: Expiration Date______The Gerald R. Ford Foundation Name as it appears on credit card: 303 Pearl Street, NW Signature:______Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5353

18 ComingUP All that Jazz: America in the 1920s Celebration of 30th Anniversary of Museum for six special school per- CONTINUING THROUGH JUNE 13, 2004. Swearing-in of President Gerald R. Ford formances, coinciding with the last The first in-house exhibition pro- AUGUST 3, 2004. Richard Nixon and three days of Window on the West. duced by Museum staff for the new Watergate. John H. Taylor, executive Debate Watch 2004, a Commission on temporary exhibit gallery. (See director of the Richard Nixon Library Presidential Debates education initia- description on page 12 of this issue). & Birthplace Foundation, comes to tive. Details to be announced. Grand Rapids to discuss Nixon's war- Window on the West: Views from the time presidency and how the mindset China: The Opening of the Middle American Frontier of war was at the root of Watergate. Kingdom JULY 3 – SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. An out- Please join us to hear John H. Taylor OCTOBER 15, 2004 – MARCH 13, 2005. standing exhibition of artwork from discuss the roots of our nation’s The Museum’s second in-house pro- the American West. (See description greatest scandal. Another great col- duction for the new temporary exhib- below and illustrations on back laboration with Grand Valley State it gallery will look at the development cover). University’s Hauenstein Center for of this ancient land through its rich Presidential Studies. artistic legacy and America’s efforts to Independence Day Additional events to be announced. open China’s markets for trade and Celebrate an old-fashioned 4th of the evolution of their diplomatic his- July at the Museum from 11:00 a.m. - President Gerald R. Ford Essay tory. 1:00 p.m. Challenge SEPTEMBER 11, 2004. Thomas C. Reed Lecture President Ford’s 91st Birthday Theme and rules for the 2004-2005 , 2004. The former JULY 14, 2004. Celebrations include competition will be announced. Secretary of the Air Force will speak the traditional birthday cake and free on topics related to his recently pub- admission. In honor of President The Amazing Adventures of lished book, At the Abyss: An Insider’s Ford’s birthday, the Museum will offi- Lewis and Clark History of the Cold War. cially sponsor the July 14th West SEPTEMBER 22 – 24, 2004. Back by Michigan Whitecaps home baseball popular demand, Face to Face game. Come down to the ball park to Productions will bring their lively and celebrate with us. highly entertaining musical to the

Window on the West: Views from the American Frontier, the Phelan Collection July 3 - September 24, 2004

his summer the Museum will host glimpse out their window at one of the depict what was seen—often for the T Window on the West: Views from the greatest stories in our nation’s history, first time—by European-American American Frontier – The Phelan Collection. the American West. eyes. Visitors to Phelan’s collection are These sixty works of art document the This is an exhibition in which the commonly left with a feeling of fresh- West as explorers, natives, and others subjects of the works and the way they ness and surprise in seeing an moved about its vast expanse. Its set- are depicted are more important than American West that may be both more tling and eventual disappearance is the names of the artists. While artists and less than they have anticipated. told through the skills of some of its who are well known in Western The exhibition is organized by the greatest artistic chroniclers, Frederic American art are included, so are less- Trust for Museum Exhibitions of Wash- Remington, Albert Bierstadt, Alfred er-known and even anonymous artists. ington, D. C. The paintings are drawn Jacob Miller, Karl Bodmer, and John And all the works have a common from the collection of Arthur J. Phelan Frederick Kensett. Many others, in- theme—the way the West really of Chevy Chase, Maryland. For over cluding the first academically trained appeared to the artists. The paintings thirty years, this student of American Native American artist, Lone Wolf, and do not attempt to impress or lure history and Yale graduate has compiled one of the first two women artists of observers with mythical or imaginary an impressive collection of western art. California, share on canvas their expe- conceptions of how the American Currently, he directs an oil tanker com- riences and permit the visitor a frontier looked. Instead, they simply pany headquartered in New Orleans. 19 SUMMER AT THE FORD MUSEUM Window on the West: Views from the American Frontier, the Phelan Collection [July 3 – Sept 24]

THE WAY THE WEST REALLY APPEARED TO ARTISTS Visitors to Phelan’s collection are commonly left with a feeling of freshness and surprise in seeing an American West “Glenwood Springs, Colorado” by Walter Paris, 1891 “The Lost Greenhorn” by Alfred Jacob Miller, 1845 that may be both more and less than they have anticipated.

“Abiquiu, NM” by Jozef G. Bakos, ca. 1930 “Ranch Hand, Wyoming” by Williard C. Schouler, 1888

The Gerald R. Ford Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to support the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum through historical exhibits, educational programs, conferences, research grants and awards. In fulfilling its mission, the Foundation seeks to honor the principles and values demonstrated by President Ford throughout his public service career. The Foundation also seeks to educate Americans about the unique history and significant events of the Ford presidency. Finally, the Foundation seeks to enhance public understanding of American history and government, particularly the presidency. Inquiries regarding contribu- tions should be addressed to Martin J. Allen, Jr., Chairman, Gerald R. Ford Foundation, 303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504-5353.

THE GERALD R. FORD FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER Editor: Nancy Mirshah

Gerald R. Ford Foundation NON-PROFIT 1000 Beal Avenue ORGANIZATION Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 U.S. POSTAGE PAID For information about Library programs: Gerald R. Ford Library, 1000 Beal Avenue PERMIT NO. 25 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2114 (734) 205-0555 ANN ARBOR Email: [email protected] Website: http:// www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov For information about Museum programs: Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5353 (616) 254-0400 Email: [email protected] Website: http:// www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov For information about Foundation programs: Gerald R. Ford Foundation, 303 Pearl Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5353 Chairman Martin J. Allen, Jr. (616) 254-0370 Interim Director Bob Gamble (616) 254-0397 Administrative Assistant Diane Van Allsburg (616) 254-0396 Email: [email protected] Fax: (616) 254-0403. Website: www.geraldrfordfoundation.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED